Creating a car that simply transports one from point A to point B while still being fun for drivers and profitable for carmakers maybe harder than building a sports car. For consumers, subcompacts also present a tough choice: a couple thousand more will buy you are compact car with more room. That being said, the 2015 Honda Fit is your best option for a little car that is fun to drive but will never make you feel small at all.
One of the many things that make Honda Fit so much better than other cars of a similar price range is the apparent magic of having a tiny hatchback vehicle on the outside with bigger space on the inside. Passenger volume is close to 96 cubic feet and with boot space that match some compact SUVs. Furthermore, the back passenger seats can be folded to create room for bigger cargo. Need even more space? The same backseats can magically fold up to accommodate taller packages. Such versatility already adds intangible value to this subcompact.
Another advantage is the new 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that can be mated to a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox. The driving difference isn’t necessary felt on the road; noise can be bearable, but it is still noise. Riding experience is comfortable, thanks to MacPherson Strut suspension on the front and torsion-beam at the rear. But what matters to most people–and one that will seal the deal–is the fuel savings. City driving mileage is best in class at 33 miles per gallon and highway driving can go as high as 41 miles per gallon.
Other driving comforts include heated seats, and higher models will have a 5-inch touchscreen that offers radio and music playback. Bluetooth connectivity is available on all trims. A backup camera is also available on the higher trims together with the fantastic Lane Watch system. Basically, it is an additional camera on the passenger side that gets activated when planning to turn right, effectively proving an additional view on the driver’s blind side.
The standard LX model starts at $15,650 while the higher EX model is $2,000 more, adding a moon roof, the aforementioned Lane Watch system, push button start, and paddle shifters. The top-of-the-line model is close to $20,000 and will upgrade the screen to 7 inches along with an information system with a functional navigation. The highest-priced model also adds a touch of leather around the steering wheel and shift knob, again reducing the feel that you are driving a lesser vehicle.
The higher awareness of the public about climate change and fuel economy is making the subcompact class very crowded. There are number of options including the Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, and the excellent Ford Fiesta. The Yaris can be cheaper while Rio and Fiesta are for those who may prefer sedans, but the Fit is more fun to drive. Since its introduction, the Honda Fit has literally grown to be on top of the competition and worthy of your time and money.
